Waldo County Democratic Committee

Our local legislators are eager to hear from you about proposed legislation! Here is the short scoop on submitting testimony in writing online, in person in Augusta, or by Zoom.

Learn about this session’s bills, legislative committees, and public hearings at https://legislature.maine.gov/.

You can find contact info for local legislators here.

Pro Tips for Effective Testimony

1.     In person or Zoom oral presentations should be three minutes or under. Committee chairs may choose no to impose a time limit.

2.     Written testimony can be as long as you wish. Committee members try to read as much testimony before hearing a bill as they can.

3.     Describe the reasons you believe the bill is or is not needed, the problems it will solve or create

4.     Include a short example of a personal experience or situation that is relevant to the bill

5.     If presenting in person, the Chair will call you up to the podium by name. Step up to the microphone and speak closely and directly into it as you read your testimony. At the conclusion, the Chair of the committee will ask if any members of the committee have any questions. Answer as best you can or state you don’t know the answer.

To Submit Testimony Online

·      Go to Maine.gov and click on Legislature, then go to lower right and click on Testimony Submission (shortcut: https://www.mainelegislature.org/testimony/)

·      Click on Public Hearing

·      Go to drop down menu and choose the Legislative Committee that will hear the bill (this is the committee of jurisdiction)

·      Follow prompts and enter LD# (Legislative Document number – NOT the same as an LR#)

·      Select the hearing date and time, in person, Zoom or written

·      Enter your contact information as requested

·      Type the text of your testimony in the text box and hit Submit. 

Format for Written Testimony

Name & contact info. 

LD number, bill title and date like heading of a letter

Good morning or afternoon Chair __________ (last name Senate Chair), Chair _________ (last name of House Chair), and esteemed members of the___________________ Committee.

My name is ___________and I live in _______________________. I am here to testify today in support of/opposition to LD # _________________.

Describe reasons why the bill is or is not needed, and problems it will solve or create. Include a short personal example of incident or situation.

Thank you.

[Your name]

If you are REALLY into the work of a committee, look up a specific committee’s page and click on Mailing List to sign up to receive updates on that committee’s work. You can also call the Clerk of the committee and ask them to sign you up.

(THANK YOU to Rep. Jan Dodge for providing this valuable information! If you have questions, you may contact her at jan.dodge@legislature.maine.gov.)